Black Cloak
Black cloaks are part of the regular city guard but differ quite a bit in education and function. In most places Black Cloaks are called just that even if that isn't the usual title in that particular kingdom or city. As you may have already guessed Black Cloaks are the investigative branch of the city guard. There is usually such a group in military companies, larger towns near major trade routes, and usually in the service of nobles who find themselves obligated to dispense formal justice.
This consistent work with physical evidence and sound logic has led to many Black Cloaks taking on the goblin outlook of mistrusting magic as a form of investigation. While this belief seems to be taken by many Black Cloaks on a case by case basis there is a solid 8% who do not trust magic at all.
Requirements
To be a Black Cloak in most places you have to be formally trained in combat of some variety. There is usually also a requirement of training in investigation methods and practical evidence collection, though not always. This second part is where many reputations come from among the citizenry. After all in towns where there is less training, criminals tend to get away more unless caught red handed.
Appointment
This rank is usually granted to a person who is hired specifically for the role of Black Cloak in the guard or to a guard who has proven to have the necessary mental faculties to do the job.
Duties
The investigation of murders, crimes against upper classes, theft deemed to be of import, and the locating of missing persons.
Responsibilities
Beyond the investigative duties a Black Cloak also enjoys all the sworn responsibilities and protections a regular guardsmen own to any citizen in need.
Benefits
Black Cloaks are some of the only guardsmen that can arrest a noble (usually) without major incident. They have a wide range of authority when it comes to investigating crimes and carrying out their work. Many even carry political clout. Black Cloaks also make almost twice the amount that regular guardsmen do.
History
Black Cloak is a slang that originated in either Perch or Appolla Sicuro, both cities laying claim to the term with various historians still debating it today. What is known is that an investigator of renown who could solve most crimes even long after they were committed worked in both cities at different times and was known for wearing a trademark black cloak. Both cities cite this investigator, James Malachai, as the origin point of the training and beginning of the formal investigative branch of the guard. Both Perch and Appolla Sicuro have documents claiming that he worked for their city before he could have possibly worked for the other.
The term came about four thousand years ago in any case and has slowly spread along with the idea of investigators as part of a regular guard retinue.
Cultural Significance
Among the halfling people the term black cloak is either one of respect or one of insult depending on the circumstances one finds oneself when using it. Most societies see the term Black Cloak in the same manner they see the title of sergeant or village elder. The title is one of fact and has only significance if you need their help or don't wish to be caught.
Type
Civic, Law
Creation
The city guardsmen's charter in both Perch and Apppolla Sicuro were changed around James Malachai's time to include Black Cloaks.
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